Broward County assistance programs.

In an emergency, there is financial assistance available in Broward County. Families, senior citizens, and others can get help with paying bills ranging from medical to rent, energy bills, and much more. There are also clinics that provide free prescription drugs as well as job placement centers along with case management. Or contact a free food pantry or clothing closet in the region for groceries, household supplies, furniture, and other free items.

Here is a listing of programs and resources that can offer you assistance

If need help paying your utility bill, Florida Power and Lights Care to Share utility bill assistance program offers up to $500 in aid once in a 12-month period. You need to qualify for these funds through nonprofit agencies who manage the program. Dial FP&L customer service and ask about this program.

If you need rent help or funds for electric bills, you may be able to get a month's rent payment through Family Success Centers in Broward County. If you live in Broward, call 954-985-1920 for information. They are located in Pompano Beach, (954) 357-5340, Coral Springs, Florida (954) 357-5000, as well as West Park, Florida (954) 357-5650. Or find additional resources that give assistance with rent.

Food assistance is available at Angel's Food Ministries. If you spend just $30, you will get you two weeks' worth of food and groceries. You can pay with food stamps or a credit card.

If you have lost your home, contact the Broward Homeless Help line. 954-563-4357.

Like many who have lost their jobs, there are even employment programs that can help you find a job. In Broward County, call a Workforce One employment center at 954-969-3541.

Foreclosure prevention in Broward and Miramar

The Housing Foundation of America, Inc. (phone(954) 923-5001) which is a not-for profit housing counseling service, is working with Miramar to expedite assistance to residents hoping to preserve homeownership and prevent a foreclosure filing. The City of Miramar is hopeful that by providing this benefit and resource to its residents that they will receive timely assistance to fulfill their immediate needs regarding any housing issues they may face, and be able to keep their home.

The services being offered by this partnership include foreclosure prevention counseling, reverse mortgage counseling, pre-purchase and post-purchase counseling, fair housing assistance, and also assistance with budgeting. Miramar residents need to set up an appointment and meet one on one. Learn more on Florida mortgage assistance programs.

The Broward County Urban League also offers a program that provides free foreclosure counseling and assistance to mortgage programs. The organization does its best to ensure people stay in their homes. Dial 954.625.2573 for more information on Broward County Florida foreclosure prevention programs.

Helpful Hands offers foreclosure prevention to homeowners in Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Work with a counselor to receive preventative foreclosure counseling. The programs are offered for homeowners facing foreclosure or need mortgage help. The center holds workshops/seminars and acts as advocate or mediator for foreclosure prevention in the Broward County area. Call them at (954) 673-4896.

Fort Lauderdale based Housing Finance Authority of Broward County offers a variety of housing programs including pre qualification home counseling services, home repair, maintenance and modification, and foreclosure prevention services. Dial (954) 357-4900, or click here for more information on Florida programs such as the Florida hardest hit fund.

Broward County Programs and HUD agencies operate across the region and offer free advice, information, and housing solutions to homeowners. Thousands of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County homeowners receive free assistance every year from the agencies. More on foreclosure prevention in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

Find help paying rent

The federal governments Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), which is one component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Stimulus Bill) was created to prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless. There is also a part of the plan which is intended to help those who are experiencing homelessness be quickly stabilized or re-housed.

The HPRP program is accepting applications for emergency housing assistance and rent help from Pompano Beach residents. This housing program will help low and moderate income residents with paying for late rent and utility bills, help them stay in their homes. Also, it will provide those people who are already homeless with move-in assistance towards rental housing and help finding a new home.

The program will assist eligible and qualified low-income residents with emergency financial assistance with paying for their late rent at their current home housing, or it will also provide move-in assistance to move into permanent housing.

The emergency financial assistance has some conditions and limits. It will be provided only for the eligible expenses of short-term rental assistance: (up to three months), for medium-term rental assistance; (which is up to six months when applicable), move-in and relocation assistance of a homeowners first or last month’s rent, and vital utility bill payments, such as gas, electricity, and water bills.

If interested in learning more, the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. serves as the lead entity in the administration of the HPRP program for Broward County. They can be reached at (954) 561-9681. They also manage the program for the cities of Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale Also apply for housing assistance at Broward County’s Homeless Initiatives Partnership (HIP), Crisis Housing Solutions, Legal Aid Services of Broward County, The Shepherd’s Way, Inc., Women in Distress, St. Lawrence Chapel.

Resources to help with rent - Residents have other options available to them, such as churches and non-profits. There may even be grants issued by Broward County government affiliated agencies. The financial aid tends to be focused on income qualified families with a job, but who are behind on a rent payment. There is also the possibility of funds to pay a security deposit to rehouse a homeless individual. Locate Locate Broward County rent assistance and the agencies to call for help.

Junior Welfare Society - You must be referred to this agency by a qualified social services agency. If you are, and have no other alternatives, the non-profit may act as a resource for you. They offer one-time emergency cash assistance when immediate help is needed for a qualified applicant. You may be able to get help with paying rent and FPL bill assistance, eye glasses, clothing, appliances, groceries, car repairs, furniture, free food, diapers, medical supplies, and prescriptions. They are based in Fort Lauderdale and can be reached at (954) 296-2667.

The Mount Bethel - Family Resource CenterProgram is a one stop center that provides information and more. Some of the services they offer include computer education, employability/self-sufficiency training, and help finding a job. Also they may have funds for rent and or mortgage help. Advice can also be offered for debt and credit issues. Call them at (954) 763-5011. Or click here for ways to learn about payday loan consolidation.

Military members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan may be able to get help from Urban League - Project BRAIVE. Phone (954) 625-2583. The program provides emergency financial and supportive case management services to people in need of help. Services offered to military members include assistance with paying rent, housing expenses, mortgage or utilities, gas cards and vouchers, bus passes, and emergency car repairs and maintenance.

Hope Outreach Center, which is located in Davie but supports Broward County, runs programs that include a food pantry, social service outreach, and the agency also provides final notice partial rent and FP&L assistance. Also the center provides after school care, senior visitation, counseling, and social services to people in need. There is also a scholarship service for children from low income households. Dial (954) 321-0909, or find more details on assistance from HOPE Outreach Center.

Cooper City and Davie Florida residents can turn to EASE Foundation. The non-profit provides food and financial aid to those who are working, earning enough to pay their monthly bills and have an emergency. It is meant to cover people if they encountered an unexpected emergency. (954) 797-1077. Find more details on Ease Foundation.

Broward Regional Health Planning Council Inc. administers programs for HIV patients and their families. There may be financial assistance with back rent, move in costs, mortgage and utility payments. Other support may be available as well, including for paying security deposits. Another option is loan programs for a variety of bills, and referrals. Address is 200 Oakwood Lane Suite 100, Hollywood, FL, 33020. Dial (954) 561-9681

City of Miramar Social Services Department – Runs MASH, or the Miramar Assisting Seniors in their Homes. It is for seniors in the area, and may provide one time crisis assistance. Food, housing, utility bills, medications, and other needs may be met. (954) 602-3000

The Family Success Center and Community Action Agency offers services that can assist with rent expenses, mortgage payments, provide food vouchers, transportation assistance and counselors offer self-sufficiency case management. In addition, co-located community providers and non-profits also offer job information and placement, housing assistance, child care information, and debt and consumer counseling. They have centers in many areas, including Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Coral Springs Florida. (954) 497-1340.

The non-profit Community Action Agency has several centers in the region, all focused on offering short term assistance and long term self-sufficiency, such as job training and credit counseling. Call the center for the latest, but some of the other assistance may be the following.

Homeless prevention, which can be cash assistance or repayable loans for expenses such as rent, a mortgage payment, or a move in or security deposit.

Free food from pantries in Broward County and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Case management from the success centers such as affordable day care, legal aid and medical care.

Head Start, assistance for children from low income families, and information on SNAP.

A focus in on eviction prevention, so some limited amounts of rent and/or energy bill assistance may be paid out. Other emergency assistance programs that operate include food programs, educational and child care, as well as immigration services. Some resources also focus on helping senior citizens in Florida. Read more Broward County Catholic Charities.

Gateway Community Outreach provides low to moderate income individuals with financial assistance for food expenses, rent payments, mortgage help, clothing and also offers prevention and case management. Dial (954) 725-8434, or find more details on Gateway Community Outreach assistance programs.

Church Resource Center assists low income families in Pompano Florida only. There are many programs available from the faith based charity. They offer grants for paying funeral or burial costs, utility bill help, and support to people leaving jail. Other resources from the group include money for paying electric bills, document retrieval programs or rent assistance as well as help to single parents. Call (954) 532-7548 for intake, or find other churches that help pay bills.

An organization that works with the homeless and people facing eviction is the Broward Homeless Initiative Partnership Division. The organization provides information for housing assistance for families and individuals in need. There is rapid rehousing available, shelters, housing subsidies, vouchers, and other aid, such as referrals to food and basic needs. In addition, they may be able to offer rental and mortgage assistance to those who qualify and are facing a crisis. Dial 954-357-6101, or find more eviction prevention services in Broward County.

Volunteers of America - The charity works with families facing eviction, the homeless, seniors, and disabled. Resources range from referrals to low income apartments and emergency rental or deposit assistance in Broward County. They also operate employment services and offer support to veterans. Read Florida Volunteers of America.

Help for seniors and the disabled - The county runs a resource center for the large number of elderly in the region. Assistance is also available for disabled Broward County residents. There is free food from Meals on Wheels and feeding sites. An information line can provide information on resources such as SSDI disability and food stamp applications. The center also offers EHEAP energy bill assistance, home repair loans, and funds for paying rent or a security deposit fee. Or inquire into free legal aid at the center and other support services. Broward County senior help from Aging and Disability programs.

City of Fort Lauderdale Housing & Community Development Division - This agency runs the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, which can provide rent assistance and funds for security deposits. (954) 828-4512

So called Focus Points are in a couple different parts of Broward County. They offer home energy bill assistance to low income elderly residents. There is both cooling / air conditioning and heating bill help. There are also other supportive services, such as Meals on Wheels, Home Care, emergency eviction prevention, home loan repair programs, and other services.

Help for pregnant women and/or new parents - Broward County households can get assistance for their new child or baby. What may be provided includes food (formula, groceries), furniture (cribs or car seats), and hygiene type supplies (free diapers or wipes). Other help can be arranged too. Find Free diapers and baby supplies in Broward County.

South Florida Hope – The non-profit assists veterans in southern Florida. It offers low income, subsidized housing, including for the disabled and those with a mental condition. The goal is self-sufficiency. So this means job placement, credit counseling, and case management is available. A portion of the veteran’s income will need to pay to be paid towards rent and other housing costs. The office is at 1242 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305. Dial (954) 770-4920

Miramar Assisting Seniors in their Homes (MASH) - This is an emergency assistance program designed to alleviate a crisis, and money is offered in an emergency to people over 60. 7667 Venetian StreetVenetian Street Senior Center, Miramar, FL 33023, phone (954) 602-3000

Urban League has referrals or limited emergency financial assistance. However the organization focuses on helping the less fortunate, unemployed, and struggling gain self-sufficiency. Several resources are available.

The group partners with the Family Success center to facilitate rent, housing, and utility assistance.

Lower income families can gain employment assistance from the Center for Working Families.

Area Agency On Aging - Aging and Disability Resource Center - Seniors can get utility bill assistance from Emergency Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program. The agency can also help low income seniors to apply for the QMB program, where Medicaid will pay their Medicare premiums. A number of other resources are offered for older residents of Broward County, including home delivered meals, free legal aid, home repairs, referrals and transportation. 5300 Hiatus Road, Sunrise, FL 33351. Dial (954) 745-9567. Or read Florida Area Agency on Aging.

City of Hallandale Beach Human Services Department has social workers on staff that can assist families, children, and senior citizens. Get information and referral, emergency food and clothing, case management, job readiness skills, free housing and financial counseling, one time rental and utility bill assistance, health services and use the ACCESS center for cash assistance. Government sponsored programs include, but are not limited to, DCF food stamps and Medicaid. Location is 750 NW 8th Avenue. Call (954) 457 – 1460

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida and Broward County - The pro-bono firm provides eviction defense, help in resolving disputes when applying for disability or government benefits, and other support. All legal matters handled by attorneys and paralegals are civil in nature. Other free assistance and advice is for seniors, veterans, and immigrants. More on Broward County free legal aid from lawyers.

Northwest Federated Woman's Club of Broward County Inc. administers the state of Florida utility bill program for seniors over the age of 60. Grants may also be offered to prevent a disconnection of their power. 2185 NW 19th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311

The Salvation Army is one of the leading non-profits to call for help. In addition to the emergency assistance programs referenced on this page (such as utilities and rent), they also provide services such as transitional housing, free food, Christmas gifts for children, and Thanksgiving and holiday meals. Click here for additional information, including phone numbers and addresses of Salvation Army centers in Broward County.

Basic needs such as clothing and holiday aid - The county is supported by several charities, churches, and clothing distribution centers. The locations will provide non-financial assistance, which can include furniture, baby supplies, gently used clothing, and more. Seasonal programs may offer help during Christmas or back to school items. Find Broward County clothing closets.

Social Services and Family Success Centers - The Broward County government offers cash assistance, case management, and referrals to address a number of needs of low income families. Get information on housing programs (including rent and mortgage), utility bill help, food, and other social services and government assistance. More on Public assistance in Broward County.

Broward County low income housing, shelter and related services are offered to the recently evicted and homeless. Not only can families get a place to stay, but case managers will help them find a new home or lost cost apartment to live in. Some housing may be government subsidized and others are own by private companies. Also learn about places in Broward County Florida that may help pay for your deposit or maybe first months rent expense. Locate transitional housing and shelter in Broward County.

Not for Profit Focal Point - These agencies run programs that can provide financial home energy bill assistance to seniors over the age of 60. Receive financial assistance during the Florida summer for paying air conditioning and electric bills. When funding is available, at most $600 will be paid out. The

Emergency assistance from FSC centers - In partnership with local Broward County charities and groups in Tallahassee and other cities, non-profit centers provide everything from funds for paying water bills to emergency grants to stop evictions from a program known as Housing First. Other support from the Family Centers includes budgeting, funds from LIHEAP for paying air conditioning bills, job search programs, and support for senior citizens in the community. Find emergency help from Family Centers.

Holiday help - Whether it is Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, several agencies provide assistance. This ranges from free gifts, toys, and food to home delivered meals. Many of the holiday programs rely on donations and volunteers, so please contribute. More details on free Broward holiday programs.

City of Sunrise Special & Community Support Services provides limited financial assistance with utility payments as well as medical equipment and a food pantry. (954) 746 - 3670

Central Homeless Assistance Center from the Broward Partnership offers many services to the very low income and currently homeless. There is medical care, financial assistance for housing needs, and other social services.

Placement into permanent housing or low income apartments is available, along with funds for the rental deposit if needed.

The vulnerable, including low income seniors, immigrants, Spanish speakers, teenage parents, and others can get help from a church. Whether it is spiritual guidance, counseling, or a few dollars to pay a bill, support is provided. Many churches also offer vouchers to pay for gasoline or groceries, among other needs. Find help from Broward County churches

Broward County Florida programs and non-profit agencies that include all of Florida

Certain programs are available to Broward County and Fort Lauderdale families that include all of Florida. These assistance programs include the following.

Broward County low-income assistance

If you have lost your job, are facing an emergency or short term hardship, or if your income is just not high enough to pay the bills, the Broward County Community Action Agency (CAA) provides help to low income and struggling Broward County residents. Some of the services they offer to qualified applicants include job training, emergency rent/mortgage/utility assistance, employment expenses, education expenses, moving expenses, free gasoline vouchers, and more. Contact the agency at 954-761-2121 for information or to apply for aid.

Medical care for low income and uninsured

Families and individuals with no health insurance, limited means or income, minorities, and others can stop by the Luz Del Mundo (Light of World Clinic), Inc. for access to free health care and other aid. The health clinic focuses it resources on those patients who are generally without insurance or financial resources to obtain the proper health care they need. Almost 15,000 people are assisted each year. (954) 563-9876 Phone. Or learn about other medical bills reduction programs and agencies in Florida. More on Florida medical assistance.

Receive help for your newborns and children from Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County. The organization provides counseling, medical care, health care resources, and even free cribs and other baby supplies for newborns. They help pregnant teens and other mothers. Contact them at 954-765-0550. Financial Assistance Programs

No matter what your religion is, the Jewish Family Service is an organization that offers several different services and assistance programs. Some of the resources they offer include :

Those are just a few of the health and dental centers that are located in Broward County. With tens of thousands of families lacking health insurance in the region, or whose income is too low to pay their medical bills, there are several other places people can go to for health care, medications, and more. More Broward County clinics.

Utility bill help

The Broward County Salvation Army (phone (954) 524-6991) runs several assistance programs in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding county. They have limited funding, but when possible they will provide low income residents with money for paying their rent, utility bills, and other expenses, such as medical bills and prescription medications.

Focal Point has several offices around the area, and they provide qualified seniors with funds for paying cooling and utility bills. (954) 973-0300

Food banks, pantries, and distribution centers in Broward County

There are numerous places to get vouchers and groceries from. Some of the options include below. Or click here for information on low cost groceries.

Two of the leading agencies are listed here. However there are dozens of other food banks and pantries across Broward County and Fort Lauderdale. Get more details on Broward County food banks.

Cross Road Food Bank, Inc., which is based in Fort Lauderdale, provides emergency food assistance up to every 30 days. (954) 627-6900

Feeding South Florida (Pembroke Park (954) 518-1818) provides food to local churches, pantries, and soup kitchens. Call them to find a distribution point near you.